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REFERENCE

dubious

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈdubiəs// UK //djˈuːbɪəs// du·bi·ous

adj. feeling unsure or having doubts about something. It can also describe something that seems dishonest or unlikely to be true.

adj. fraught with uncertainty or doubt; hesitant. Also describes something of questionable value, quality, or legality.


SIMPLE

I am dubious about his ability to finish the job.

CONTEXTUAL

The investor remained dubious about the startup's claims of high profits despite the flashy presentation.

COMPLEX

The politician's dubious claims regarding the economic recovery were met with immediate skepticism by independent analysts who pointed to the rising unemployment figures.

Synonyms
Origin

Etymology tree Latin dubiusbor. English dubious From Latin dubius; like doubt, from Latin duo (cognate to English two), implying “two alternatives” (yes or no, true or false, etc.).

Usage

Often followed by the preposition 'about' when describing a person's feelings.

Pitfall

I am dubious that he will come.I am doubtful that he will come.While 'dubious' and 'doubtful' are similar, 'dubious' usually describes a person's skeptical attitude 'about' a thing, whereas 'doubtful' is more common for introducing a 'that' clause.

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